Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Baltimore is 34% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,290/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 27%
$59,623/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 51%
$219,300 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 114%
$1,333/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 27%
577,193
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.07%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $342/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $4,104/year.

Median household income is $30,415/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

Maryland has a lower income tax rate, making Baltimore slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Charleston — common questions

Is Baltimore or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Charleston?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $342/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Charleston?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $30,415/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and South Carolina?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View Charleston details →

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